Animal-welfare activists target Zara over angora fur

Being a major retailer is a challenge, considering shoppers' fleeting attention spans, tight margins, complex supply chains, stiff competition and shifting regulations. But these companies encountered more than the average difficulties, including labeling faux pas, outspoken executives and bribery allegations.

Tiffany Hsu

Several major retailers, including H&M, ASOS and Calvin Klein, have halted production of items made with the fur of angora rabbits following the release of an undercover video showing the animals shrieking as the fibers are pulled from their skin.

But Zara is not one of them, according to animal-welfare activists, who are now turning their attention to the Spanish brand.

The retailer -- a division of the world’s largest apparel retailer, Inditex Group -- still has more than 60 angora items for sale on its website, according to advocacy group SumOfUs.

SumOfUs said that more than 257,000 people have signed a petition urging Zara to disavow the material, joining retailers such as Topshop. Zara did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The group said that 90% of angora fiber comes from China, and that the fur can sell for about $25 a pound when sheared off. But longer strands that are plucked out can go for more than double that amount, according to SumOfUs.